2017 Chevrolet Sonic

During the 2016 New York Auto show, Chevrolet introduced the 2017 Sonic. The automaker claims that the new Sonic offers a more sporty and expressive take to the small car segment.

The car comes with new updates which include LED lighting on the exterior and new technologies such as MyLink which integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its cabin. The refreshment adds to the Sonic’s character as a fun, efficient and affordable small hauler.

Chevrolet hopes to capture the attention of younger buyers with the Sonic. Chevrolet has established that 20% of the vehicle’s buyers are below 35 years and the automaker believes the upcoming model will do even better among this age group of buyers. Just like the outgoing model, the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic will be offered both in sedan and hatchback bodies.

The sedan will feature three trims i.e. LS, LT and Premier while the hatchback which features an exclusive RS guise will be offered in only LT and Premier trims. The RS package is available as an option on the sedans.

2017 Chevrolet Sonic Exterior

As mentioned above, the new Chevrolet Sonic has a new stance which is more expressive. The vehicle’s exterior design falls in line with other Chevrolet models such as the Trax, Cruze and Bolt EV. The front features a new hood, a revamped grille and projector-beam headlights. The front also features LED DRLs.

The rear, on the other hand, has also been refreshed and sports a redesigned bumper and revised taillights. On the sides, the Sonic still features its unique “wheels-at-the-corners stance” which when coupled with the upgrades make it look sportier. The vehicle rides on new 15-, 16-and 17-inch wheels. Four new exterior colors have also been introduced; they are Arctic Blue Metallic, Orange Burst Metallic, Cajum Red Tintcoat and Brimstone.

2017 Chevrolet Sonic Interior

The interior designers of the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic have designed a thoughtful interior which is focused on offering comfort, convenience and the trappings that come with new technology. To add to the current design which is already well defined is a new detailed gauge cluster with an analog speedometer.

New for 2017 is a power driver’s seat making the Sonic the first model in this segment to offer this feature. Other features include keyless entry and ignition, heated seats and a heated steering wheel. The seats are upholstered in a quality cloth. The exclusive RS package adds RS-logo on the floor mats, red cloth upholstery, piano black décor and an RS-badged flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Another new feature on the 2017 Chevy Sonic is a 7.0-inch diagonal infotainment system. The system supports up-to-date technologies such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 4GLTE which comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Wi-Fi hotspot allows connection of up to 7 devices like smartphones, tablets or laptops.

The Chevrolet Sonic 2017 will feature a host of upgraded safety features such as Lane Departure warning, Forward Collision Alert, Stabilitrak electronic stability control and antilock brakes among others. For 2017, the model will also feature Rear Park Assist and a rearview camera as standard in all trims. The vehicle also features 10 standard airbags.

Engine Specs and Performance

Both the sedan and the hatchback are powered by a 1.8 L 4-cylinder Ecotec engine or an Ecotec 1.4 L turbocharged mill. Both engines produce 138 hp. However, the turbocharged engine produces 148 lb-ft of torque compared to 125 lb-ft of torque produced by the 1.8 L engine.

There are no official EPA ratings as of this writing but since there are no significant changes on the drive-trains; we expect the engine to retain the 2016 model’s ratings. The 1.8 L engine currently returns a combined fuel efficiency of 30 mpg while the turbocharger is more frugal at a 33 mpg on combined drives.

Both engines will be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. A 6-speed automatic transmission is offered as an option.

Price and release date

The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic will be available in dealerships this fall. The automaker has not announced official prices of the upcoming vehicle.

However, we believe the price will be adjusted slightly upwards. Therefore, expect a starting price of around $ 15,500 for the sedan and $16,000 for the hatch.